Bmw Recalls Approximately 140,000 Sedans Due To Rear Light Issues

September 26, 2013

The German automaker Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW) has had a few noteworthy recalls this year. In February, BMW was also involved in a large-scale recall in May. The automaker recalled about 42,000 S-Series and M3 vehicles in the United States due to concerns with their airbags. As the year begins to wind down, BMW is issuing another recall for approximately 140,000 5 Series sedans in the United States and Canada because of problems with the rear lights.

The recall affects BMW 528i, 535i, 550i and M5 models, according to Reuters. In a letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, BMW says the recall involves “the rear lamp bulb carrier of model year 2008-2010 5 Series sedans.” According to BMW, “the material combination of the bulb carrier’s connector and housing can experience a resistance increase at the electrical contact points … which could potentially lead to damage of the ground terminal and housing of the connector.” Due to this issue, the functionality of the rear lamps could be affected. The company reports that no accidents or injuries have occurred due to the issue.

BMW claims it received many warranty claims in 2008, shortly after the 2008 5 Series models were released, according to documents filed with the NHTSA. The company introduced a new replacement component that year, but later determined that “a further quality improvement might be prudent” in 2012, according to the New York Times. Finally, this month BMW decided a recall was the best action to take.

Reuters reports that the recall is projected to begin in October. To fix the problem, BMW dealers will provide a replacement of the rear lamp bulb carriers for free.